QVC Horns In On The Oscar’s Red-Carpet Glitz In LA Another Year

QVC will be back in Cali this weekend for the second year in a row to ride the red-carpet coattails of the Oscars.

Claiming that it got “impressive viewership” with its first such broadcast, “Buzz on the Red Carpet – Live from LA” will, or so the press release says, QVC “once again take viewers behind-the-scenes with exclusive content from top fashion designers, beauty newsmakers, celebrities and more.”

There will be two live broadcasts, this Friday at 9 p.m. (ET) and Saturday at 8 p.m. (ET).

During the shindig at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, “Gossip Girl” actress Kelly Rutherford will finally debut her luxury handbag line during the Saturday broadcast.

“Much like New York during Fashion Week, there is no place like Los Angeles during awards season,” QVC U.S. CEO Claire Watts said in a canned statement. “’The Buzz’ on the Red Carpet broadcast aims to offer engaging programming that takes our viewers where they want to go. With our lineup of personalities and industry experts, we feel confident that this season will be full of excitement for our customers.”

Fashion designers including Isaac Mizrahi, Dennis Basso and Marc Bouwer are scheduled to appear during the broadcasts along with Lori Goldstein, the Kardashians and Melania Trump.

Actor Matthew McConaughy’s girlfriend (and mother of his child) Camila Alves and costume designer Janie Bryant, of “Mad Men,” will also present their latest collections. They will join some of the best in the beauty business including Kate Somerville, Josie Maran, Laura Geller, Smashbox and Tarte, among others, will be on hand.

QVC.com will host a special online preview of the event now through Friday.

Second — Whoops, We Mean Third — ‘Queer Eye’ Guy, Thom Filicia, Debuts On QVC Wednesday

Another alum from “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” has landed at QVC.

Design expert Thom Filicia, a gay guy that one of our female friends lusted after, is doing a collection called “Designs for Living” for QVC, which debuts Wednesday.

Thom Filicia

Filicia follows in the footsteps of Carson Kressley, who did a clothing line for QVC called Perfect. (BTW we literally bumped into him once on Park Avenue South).

UPDATE: A reader, Sharon, kindly informed me that “Thom’s actually the THIRD. Kyan was on once with his hair product, “HerCut.” Sharon is referring to Kyan Douglas, who was our gay crush.

As for Filicia, he has designed bedding, rugs and pillows for the No. 1 home shopping network.

“You may have watched Thom Filicia from your living room, but now you can decorate it with his new home collection,” QVC’s website says. “In his line, Thom harmonizes contrasting textures and palettes to create classically simple home décor with an unexpected, modern flair.”

There’s more in QVC’s program guide.

One of House Beautiful’s Top 100 American Designers, a House & Garden International Tastemaker and an EMMY award-winner, Thom Filicia is an accomplished home décor expert who you may recognize from popular shows such as Dress My Nest and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.

And now, he comes to QVC with his Designs for Living, where refined details mix with raw edges, industrial plays against organic, and where textures and palettes are used in unexpected yet classic combinations.

Filicia’s fresh yet timeless approach to design can be seen as he infuses color trends and combinations with an updated design that is both beautiful and highly practical in his bedding ensembles and home textiles.

QVC Host Lisa Robertson And Dennis Basso In Vogue For Manhattan Makeover Shoot

We’ve been hearing and reading bits and pieces about QVC’s ad shoot at Vogue magazine — from host Lisa Robertson and furrier Dennis Basso — and today got a message from one of the makeover women. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Robertson and Basso, on the air and on Facebook, have been talking about the Vogue shoot last week. For an ad set to run in the April issue, QVC sent a horde of its vendors to the Big Apple to make-over four women.

QVC host Lisa Robertson made a good impression on at least one of the makeover women

One of those women, blogger Melody Lesser, posted on our blog today.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa Robertson last week while I was in NYC for a QVC/Vogue photo shoot,” Lesser wrote.

“I, and three other women, were chosen for a QVC makeover and to model Dennis Basso’s beautiful new clothing line. The experience was amazing. Lisa Robertson is beautiful and charming and made us all feel comfortable and welcome. Love Dennis Basso. He’s handsome, charismatic and gracious. His clothes are beautiful. The entire experience was one I’ll never forget.”

Lesser writes the blog EverBeautifu.com, and posted an account of how she was chosen for the makeover and what it was like.

The vendors that took part included not only Basso but also Josie Maran, Shoshanna Gruss (Jerry Seinfeld’s ex-) and Suze Orman, who apparently did financial makeoevers for the women.

Last week Robertson wrote on Facebook, “I am in NY working on a project for QVC, it has been a lot of fun. We had lunch at ‘Vogue’s’ offices today. It was like being in the movie ‘The September Issue.’ That was definitely a first for me, (check it off the ‘bucket list!). We are really getting snow here now, it is a mess. Perfect weather to stay in and go to bed early :)”

Later in the week she wrote, “Just walked in the door and I am beat! New York was a mess this morning. We were there to shoot an ad for Vogue that is supposed to be in the April issue. It is part of a project for National Makeover Day and it was a lot of fun. I will try to post some pic’s and more info soon.”

She did post photos, including a really cute one of her and Maran getting giggly.

Basso also posted a gallery on Facebook of the shoot, which included a shot of him and photographer Art Streiber.

Jean Queen Diane Gilman’s Stylist Gets On-Air Marriage Proposal On HSN: We’re Still Waiting

Is this a home shopping network first?

We missed this Sunday night, probably because we were knocked out with a bad cold, but there was a wedding proposal made this weekend on the air on HSN. Host Colleen Lopez spread the news on Facebook.

“Surprise wedding proposal live on HSN!,” Lopez wrote. “Check out what happened when we surprised Diane Gilman’s stylist, Sabrina, on Sunday night – her boyfriend, Germain wanted to propose to her on live TV!! (video quality not great – but still a must see!). Love is grand!”

In the posted video clip we see Gilman on-air with Sabrina, lauding her for talent. Suddenly the camera pans and shows Germain, a nattily dressed big dude, walk from backstage over to Sabina, who looks pretty shocked, but happy.

“Well Sabrina, I want just want you and the whole world to know that I love you, and I want you to be my wife,” German said. “Will you marry me?”

With that, the HSN set was flooded with screeching models, employees, etc. who were all congratulating Sabrina.

We assume Sabrina said yes.

‘Sunday Is A Xanax Night’ For QVC Designer Isaac Mizrahi, And Boy Can We Relate

On Sundays QVC design guru Isaac Mizrahi likes to have breakfast, oatmeal, at our favorite Manhattan restaurant, Pastis.

That’s what we learned tonight after finally getting around to reading The Style section of The Sunday New York Times, where the Grey Lady gave us a blow-by-blow account of the curly-topped designer’s “Sunday Routine.”

Of course, when we go to Pastis, which is in the Meatpacking District, it’s not for oatmeal. It’s at Happy Hour, for Bombay Sapphire martinis, with olives, to wash down our steak frites.

Pastis, where QVC's Isaac Mizrahi dines on oatmeal and we swill over-priced Bombay Sapphire martinis

The feature acknowledges right off the bat that Mizrahi has a lifestyle collection on QVC, and that he co-hosts the Bravo program “The Fashion Show” with model/entrepreneur Iman, who is an HSN vendor.

Mizrahi likes to go for a morning swim, and then has to wait for his boyfriend, actor Arnold Germer, to get up so they can walk their dogs. Germer lives a few blocks from Mizrahi in the Village. Mizrahi’s dog Harry has been featured in a number of the designer’s QVC items.

Mizrahi enjoys going to museums and the movies on Sundays (as do we, we saw “Black Swan” today, and thought it was great).

He’s a fan of Il Cantinori, another Manhattan eatery, and on Sunday nights Mizrahi is an avid HBO viewer, saying, “I’m mad about ‘True Blood,’ and I even got into ‘Boardwalk.'”

Good selections, Isaac.

We also tip our hat to you for this comment to The Times: “I made no bones about loving television.”

Hell, we don’t either.

And we’re with him on this one, too: “Sunday is a Xanax night for me.”

But Isaac, please lose the head scarf.

QVC Hottie Rick Domeier Tells Us About Life Makeovers In His New Book, ‘Do I Get A Do Over?’

QVC’s resident heart throb, Rick Domeier, has a book coming out in January. Jeez, this guy gets a publisher, and this poor Homeshoppingista doesn’t have one? But actually, it’s not much of a surprise.

Months ago when Domeier mentioned on-air that he was going to the Book Expo with an idea, we e-mailed him and asked what he was up to and to keep us apprised if he got anywhere. We believe he said that he would. Screwed again!

We were on Facebook Wednesday night, contentedly eating our hot and sour soup, when we saw that Domeier had posted — for his 1,000-plus friends — that his book was coming out. It’s called “Can I Get A Do Over?: Unforgettable Stories of Second Chances and Life Makeovers,” with Domeier borrowing that phrase from his son.

The Homeshoppingista, and all your hundreds of Friends, thank you for the “exclusive” tip, Rick.

Here’s what the butterscotch beauty posted:

This just in! OK, here’s the scoop. Some months ago, I came up with an idea for a Book. Yep, a BOOK… Real stories of Real people, told first person, who have ‘reinvented their lives’. My sons inspired the title. Took the proposal to BEA (Book Expo America) in big ol’ New York city. The Craziest thing happened: It Sold! With a forward by Joan Rivers, quotes from Suze Orman and friends, and stories galore…l

The book, which launches nationally Jan. 3 in outlets such as Barnes and Noble, Borders and Amazon.com, already has a page on Facebook, with a video of Domeier flogging his tome.

Here is the description offered:

In Can I Get A Do Over?: Unforgettable Stories of Second Chances and Life Makeovers (HCI Books, $14.95, January 3, 2011), multichannel retail giant QVC’s senior host Rick Domeier and inspirational author Max Davis take an up-close look at the amazing

So Domeier is a “senior” host, heh? We never heard that phrase before.

In the video, he says, “This book is bursting with positive energy.”

It appears that Domeier put the stories of several familiar QVC vendors, such as Lori Greiner and Jeanne Bice, in his book.

Domeier’s Facebook Friends were panting about his new book.

And his fellow hosts came through for him, with Lisa Robertson and Dan Wheeler posting complimentary comments On the “Do Overs” page.

From Robertson:

“In the fifteen years that I have known Rick, he never gives up, he always finds a way. I don’t know if he was born with it or learned it from necessity, but his book is a living example of what you can do with a ‘do over.’”
—Lisa Roberston, television personality and host of PM Style

No mention of QVC.

And from Dan Wheeler:

“We learned the ‘do over’ at recess but never in the classroom. This book offers ‘real life’ lessons on one of the most important subjects for successful living in the 21st century.”
—Dan Wheeler, television personality and author of Best Seat in the House

No mention of QVC.

One person asked Domeier if QVC will be selling his book. No answer on that yet.

Former HSN Designer Terry Lewis Is Back On-Air On The Designer Goods Network

Former HSN vendor and host Terry Lewis has a new gig.

The popular designer, who did the Classic Luxuries line for HSN and abruptly exited the home shopping network earlier this year, has joined an operation called the Designer Goods Network. It will have its first live broadcast, mainly on satellite services, on Cyber Monday. But the show will also be streamed live online.

She posted the news Saturday morning on her Facebook page.

“I cannot wait to finally reconnect to the many customers who have sent such kind messages… Well I am back… Designer Goods Network airs live 8-11pm on cable, Dish, Direct TV and on line,” Lewis wrote. “Exotic, European bags, sunglasses and much more all discounted. I cannot wait to show off our fabulous styles. I will be your style expert!”

Then in a second post she wrote, “I’d like to invite every lady who loves stylish accessories to join me on the Designer Goods Network. We are featuring Exotic, European handbags, designer watches, sparkling table toppers all at huge discounts. The show airs live Cyber Monday, 8-11pm on various cable and satellite stations including Dish and Direct tv, but can be accessed on line.”

The network is based in Florida, just like HSN.

Here is what its website says about it.

Hate crowds, dressing rooms and overpriced merchandise? Then you’ll love Designer Goods Network. Designer Goods Network is a live shopping channel that allows you to save 40 to 80 percent off Top Designer brands including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi.

Tune into the first-ever live broadcast from TVGoods’ studio in sunny Clearwater, Florida on Cyber Monday, November 29th, 2010 from 8:00pm-11:00pm EST. The broadcast will air on DIRECTV, DISH Network, Resorts and Residence TV, My Family TV, R&R TV, and over 90 television stations around the country. The live show will also be broadcast online at http://www.designergoodsnetwork.com

Don’t miss out on these hot holiday deals! Designer Goods Network only has limited quantities of these high-end brand names, so don’t miss your chance to save bundles on designer sunglasses, bags, accessories, and shoes. Tune in from 8:00-11:00pm EST on November 29th, 2010.

Lewis’s loyal HSN fans have been blasting the home shopping network for letting her go. They miss Lewis’s fine leather coats and jackets. So do we.

The New York Times Reveals QVC’s Secrets: Not, But Honchos Mike George And Greg Maffei Surface

First The Wall Street Journal, now The New York Times, have woken up and figured out that home shopping is a booming business. And there was not one mention of cubic zirconia in either story.

While The Journal recently wrote about HSN with a trip to Florida, The Times headed out to West Chester, Pa., to do its take on QVC. The headline on the story this weekend is “Can QVC Translate Its Pitch Online.”

As a veteran journalist, we found that this story didn’t quite gel because although it’s supposed to be about QVC’s online strategy — and its growing online sales — much of the piece reports on the home shopping network’s TV side.

QVC CEO Mike George dissed a gift box with Santa's face on it, to the horror of a QVC PR person

Our guess is that when The Journal wrote about home shopping networks booming and attracting names like celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and others, The Times had to find a different angle for its story. And it made its angle about QVC.com.

A big thesis of The Times story is that people thought the Internet might hurt home shopping channels. Why would you think that? The Web lets QVC, HSN and ShopNBC sell their vast inventory 24 hours a day, not just a few items every day. But what do we know.

And once again, as we read in The Journal, home shopping hosts and vendors — via those pesky earpieces — are coached by producers about when items are selling, and when they are duds and it is time to move on. Big whoop!

Lisa Robertson says QVC viewers don't want polished professionals

You have the link so you can read The Times story yourself, but here are some points that stood out for us:

— QVC CEO Mike George finally came out of the woodwork and was interviewed for the story.

— George dissed one of QVC’s products, prompting “an anguished sound” from a QVC PR person.

— Greg Maffei, CEO of QVC parent Liberty Media, came out of the woodwork and was interviewed for the story.

— Host Lisa Robertson’s quote, “They (QVC viewers) don’t want to see a bunch of polished professionals. They want to see the real people.” So Lisa, what are you saying? That you and your fellow hosts are a bunch of unpolished amateurs?

— Zoe has brought a ton of new customers to QVC.

— Milinda Baker Weldon from Graham, Texas, is a self-admitted QVC addict who has the network on six hours a day.

— Rachael Ray sold $350,000 worth of cookware on QVC in 12 minutes.

With QVC Designer Isaac Mizrahi Expands His Presence In Greenwich Village With $2 Million Condo

QVC designer Isaac Mizrahi is buying new digs in the Greenwich Village, according to the New York Post.

Mizrahi, who is also hosting Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” with HSN vendor Iman, has a contract to buy a condo on West 12th Street, where he already has a place. The building boasts actress Cameron Diaz as a resident.

Gee, we’re surprised he didn’t look at our garden apartment complex in Montclair. Who’d you rather have as a neighbor, Diaz or The Homeshoppingista?

According to the Post, Mizrahi is paying more than $2 million for the new unit, and he plans to combine it with the one he bought earlier this year for $1.1 million. Sounds like it will be quite a crib.

The story notes that Mizrahi will share the expanded digs with his partner Arnold Germer and “their adorable dog, Jack.”

TV Guide CEO Jack Kliger sold Mizrahi both places, according to the Post.

HSN And Kelly Ripa’s ‘Homemade Millionaire’ Debuts Tonight On TLC

HSN’s collaboration with Jersey Girl Kelly Ripa and TLC, “Homemade Millionaire,” will premiere at 10 p.m. tonight.

The show pits female entrepreneurs against each to land a spot on HSN to sell a product they’ve invented.

Future episodes will feature veteran HSN vendors such as jean queen Diane Gilman, Jennifer Stallone, Badgley Mischka and Cajun kook (that’s no typo) Emeril Lagasse.

A panel on TLC's "Homemade Millionaire," with Kelly Ripa in the center and the designer team of Badgley Mischka on the right

On Thursday New York Daily News TV critic David Hinckley reviewed “Homemade Millionaire,” and he liked the program. He wrote that Ripa “whips up a lively and fun show by selling big dreams in a small, simple package.”

See what you think. We’ve had some inquiries from women who’d like to get on “Homemade Millionaire,” and we are looking into that.

So here’s the answer on getting on “Homemade Millionaire” this season: It’s too late, baby.

“We conducted try-outs last summer for this current season,” a TLC spokeswoman said Friday. “Unfortunately, this season is cast already.”